Apparatus for sensing wet diaper including circuit breaker

ABSTRACT

A device for signaling a wet condition in a diaper (12). The device includes a sensing means (10) for sensing wet conditions in the diaper (12) and signal means (15) connected to the sensing means (10) for producing a signal substantially concurrently with sensing the wet conditions in the diaper (12). The sensing means (10) are insulated from the wearer when the diaper (12) is dry and are activated by the diaper (12) once the diaper (12) becomes wet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices used to sense wetness,particularly to devices sensing wet conditions in a diaper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past several years, environmental concerns have caused a growingnumber of parents and other caretakers to revert to the use of clothand/or cotton diapers rather than disposable diapers; however, in thatthey do not wick urine or other bodily fluids away from the skin of thewearer, rather tend to envelop the entire surface of the wearer's skincontacting the diaper with the urine or other bodily fluid. Theseconditions can go unnoticed for several hours or more, exposing thewearer's skin to the harsh and irritating affects of urine and otherbodily fluids. A condition commonly known as "diaper rash" may result,making it especially critical that those in charge of caring for thediaper wearer are alerted to the diaper's wet condition as soon aspossible, to minimize the wearer's exposure to irritating fluids.

Various treatments have been devised for minimizing diaper rash,including the application of waterproof creams and jellies to thewearer's skin. While such treatments tend to shield the wearer's skinfrom wetness, they have the distinct disadvantage in precluding thepassage of air to the skin, generally recognized as an essentialcomponent of the healing process. Thus, it is not uncommon for diaperrash to persist in a chronic or near chronic state for several weeks andeven months.

The problem is further compounded for diaper wearers who are ininstitutional environments, such as day care centers, mentalinstitutions, convalescent homes, hospitals and so on, wherein a numberof other diaper wearers are simultaneously cared for. As a practicalmatter, it is not possible for those providing care to such individualsto constantly check each and every diaper wearer on a frequent basis.

A number of attempts have been made in the past to address wetundergarments. Kelly et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,559 discloses a sensingcircuit which uses an adhesive strip and clamp or pin to fasten thesensor to the diaper or the garment being sensed for wetness. The sensorincludes a pair of wire electrodes running the length of the adhesivestrip. One problem with this device is that the adhesive becomes lessand less adherent with each application, due to the wetness of thediaper environment and/or the tendency to pick up lint, dirt, etc.,which lessens adhesive strength and compromises reusability.Additionally, there is an obvious aversion to placing wire electrodes ofany type in close proximity with small children. Indeed, Kelly et al.concedes that the device is not intended for small children. Kelly etal. is also inconvenient, suggesting that, the electrodes could bemounted on the cloth diaper, for example, with printed circuits on thecloth or by sewing the electrodes into the diaper. Such mountingseriously impairs the ability to reuse the device, since cloth diapersare frequently handled by diaper services and subjected to harshchemical and/or thermal disinfectant procedures. Kelly et al. alsocontemplates using a faint alarm, audible only to the wearer, which ofcourse, is of little use to an infant.

Accordingly, a significant advance in the art could be realized if adevice could be developed that would alert the caretaker of the diaperwearer of a wet situation in the diaper. The apparatus must be smallenough to not interfere with the wearing comfort of the diaper, yet mustnot be readily swallowed by the wearer, who could choke on the device.Additionally, the device must be sensitive enough to alert the caretakeras soon as possible following the diaper becoming wet.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a device forquickly signaling to those caring for a diaper wearer of the diaperbecoming wet;

It is another object of the invention that the signal shall be audibleand/or visual;

It is yet another object of the invention that the device can be worncomfortably and not interfere with the function of the diaper itself;

It is another object of the invention that the device in no wayjeopardize the health or safety of the wearer.

These and other objects of the invention shall become more readilyapparent as the following detailed description of the inventionproceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a sensing device which is sensitive to the wetconditions of a diaper almost immediately upon the diaper becoming wet.As used herein, the term "diaper" is broadly construed to mean clothdiapers (e.g., cotton diapers), disposable diapers of all kinds,training pants, whether made of cotton or other material, and alldiaper-like devices used for incontinent adults as well as children andanimals.

As used herein, the term "diaper wearer" includes infants, adults,animals, and any other living creature on which a diaper may be applied.

The present invention utilizes an alarm which is preferably positionedon the outside surface of the diaper so as not be in direct contact withthe wearer's skin. When used in connection with a cloth diaper, thedevice is preferably either attached directly to the external surface ofthe diaper, or most preferably is attached to the waterproof or plasticpants placed over the cloth diaper.

When used in connection with a disposable diaper, the device ispreferably positioned in an embedded location within the diaper, yetremains separated from the internal surface of the diaper so as not tocome in direct contact with the wearer's skin.

The device preferably includes an audible alarm which is triggered whenthe diaper becomes wet. In one embodiment of the invention, the audiblealarm comprises a small battery-powered alarm connected through anelectrical circuit having a pair of spaced contacts. The spaced contactskeep the circuit open as long as the diaper is dry and as soon as theportion of the diaper in immediate contact with the spaced contactsbecomes wet, the wetness of the diaper bridges the spaced contacts,which completes the circuit, and sounds the alarm.

In another embodiment of the invention the audible alarm is eitherreplaced with or augmented with a visual alarm which may signal, forexample, through a blinking light, that the diaper has become wet. Suchan alarm is preferably mounted in a position on the external surface ofthe diaper in a location which is readily viewed by the caretaker, suchas on the front portion of the diaper.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises arelatively thin disk having a pair of spaced contacts facing the diaper.The disk is preferably positioned in a fixed relationship on or sealedinside the waterproof pants, such as on the front section of the pantsin the pubic region, positioned anterior relative to the wearer upwardof the genitalia. This positioning is least likely to interfere with thecomfortable wearing of the diaper and least likely to result in injuryto the wearer. Because the device is positioned on the external surfaceof the diaper, the diaper itself assists in cushioning of the wearerfrom the device should the wearer fall on the device while wearing it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which;

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation, in partial cross-section, of apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation, top elevation view, partiallybroken away, of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a diaper, showing the regionmost likely to experience wetness.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a diaper, laid flat, showing theregion most likely to experience wetness.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic elan view of a preferred diaper cover of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the diaper coverof FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a preferred circuit breaker deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred wetness sensingcircuit of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a flexible backing for mounting aprinted circuit board useful in practicing the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view illustrating how a printed circuit board ofthe present invention may be mounted to the backing of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view showing the printed circuit boardmounted to the backing of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a semi-conductorchip useful in practicing the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred timing sequenceof the present invention as utilized by a semi-conductor chip such asillustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a wetness sensingcircuit using a semiconductor chip such as that illustrated in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a wetness sensing device ofthe invention, generally 10, fastened to a pair of waterproof pants 11covering a diaper 12. As used herein the term "waterproof pants" isintended to mean rubber pants, plastic pants, and any polymeric or waterresistant material covering a diaper, whether a disposable diaper or acloth diaper, for purposes of retaining wetness within the diaper andaway from the wearer's outer clothing.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the outer layer 11, which may be waterproofpants, assists in pressing a pair of electrical contacts 14 into contactwith the diaper 12. Additionally, the wearer's outer clothing may assistin pressing the contacts 14 in contact with the diaper 12. When thediaper 12 becomes wet these contacts 14, which are spaced apart, arebridged by the wetness within the diaper and able to complete a circuitwhich sounds an alarm 15 within the sensing device 10. The sensingdevice 10 produces an audible signal substantially simultaneously withthe sensation of wetness between the contacts 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, it is preferred that the sensing device bepositioned such that there is never any chance of the electricalcontacts 14 touching the wearer's skin 16 facing the inside of thediaper 12. As an added precaution, the device 10 is powered with abattery having sufficiently low voltage to insure no risk of electricalshock to the wearer. Generally, a three-volt battery is sufficient tosound the audible alarm 15 and at the same time preclude any risk ofelectric shock. As long as the diaper 12 remains dry, it acts as anelectrical insulator, preventing the contacts 14 from being bridged bythe wearer's skin 16.

The spaced contacts 14 of the device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1comprises a pair of electrical point configured. A representativeflexible circuit with component outlines is shown in various shades ofgrey. Superimposed is an outline of a resilient applique 52 that acts asa cushioning layer over the circuit. The device may be held to thediaper cover by four conducting snaps 14. In the representation of FIG.4, the snaps are arranged at the four corners of the flexible circuit insuch a way as to optimize the area monitored for moisture, the snaps 14doubling as spaced electrical contacts.

A highly preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and7. In this embodiment, diaper cover 50 include the sensing device 51contained within an externally mounted cushioning means, 52, which maybe formed into a decorative shape. The cushioning means may utilizevarious foam rubbers or foam polymers, or other cushioning materials toinsure that the sensing device 51 causes no wearing discomfort. Thecushioning means 52 is sufficiently sized so as not to be capable ofbeing swallowed by small children or others wearing the device. In thisembodiment, the audible portion of the device is not significantlymuffled by the cushioning means, which may be covered with a fabric orother sound-permeable material.

As seen in FIG. 7, which is a top plan elevation of the FIG. 6embodiment, the spaced electrical contacts may preferably be a part ofthe means for attaching the sensing device to the waterproof diapercover 50. As shown, a pair of snaps, 53, are punched through the wall ofthe diaper cover 50 without compromising the waterproof integrity of thediaper cover 50. This type of snap is known in the art of plastic pants,which traditionally have used such snaps for fastening the sides ofwaterproof pants together with side snaps 54 illustrated in FIG. 6.Because the snaps 53 are conductive, they can sense wetness on theinternal side of the plastic pants, 56. These snaps 53 receive acomplementary snap 58, as illustrated. While snaps 53 as illustratedcomprise female connectors and snaps 58 are male connectors, therelative positions of the male and female connectors can readily bereversed as will now be appreciated.

The snaps 58 are electrically connected via leads 59 to the sensingcircuit housed in the sensing device 51. Thus, when the snaps 53 and 58are engaged, the internal surface 60 of the snaps 53 become spacedelectrical contacts of the invention, capable of sensing wetness whenbridged by a wet diaper.

Because the snaps 53 maintain an essentially watertight seal withrespect to the diaper cover 50, there is no requirement that thecushioning means 52 be waterproof, although it is, of course, preferredthat the cushioning means 52 is waterproof. The entire device 51contained by the cushioning means 52 can be conveniently unsnapped toallow washing of the plastic diaper cover 50.

Virtually any location of the diaper is likely to experience wetnessfrom urine being passed by the wearer of the diaper. Of course, thegreater the quantity of urine passed, the greater the area of the diaperexperiencing wetness. We have generally found that the area of thediaper most likely to experience wetness immediately after urinationcorresponds to the area A shown in dotted lines and shaded in FIGS. 8and 9. This area corresponds to a region of the diaper covering a bandextending from roughly the naval to the pubic bone, the genitalia, theanus and the coccyx, or tail bone of the wearer.

While the most preferred location on the diaper for sensing wetness isthe region immediately adjacent the urethra, this location alsocorresponds with a sensitive area of the wearer. Accordingly, we havefound it preferable, from the standpoint of wearer comfort, to place thesensing device above the urethra, anterior on the wearer, in a locationroughly corresponding to the pubic bone, seen as region B on FIG. 8. Wehave found that this location is least likely to interfere with thewearer's comfort, whether standing, walking or sitting. In crawlinginfants, it may be desirable to position the device posteriorly, roughlynear the coccyx. By placing the device on the exterior surface of thediaper, the diaper itself cushions the wearer from the device,contribution to added wearer comfort.

Tests have shown, surprisingly, that the diaper need not be wringing wetto initiate the signalling device. When spaced contacts are used for thesensing device, even a slightly damp condition is sufficient to bridgethe contacts and signal wetness. Of course, the contacts are more likelyto be bridged by a wetter diaper, which coincides with a more seriouscondition requiring more immediate attention from the caretaker.

We have also found that the location of the device in this position, onthe diaper's exterior and near the pubic region, permits the sensingdevice to signal wetness very shortly following urination, generallyless than a minute. This is especially true in cloth/cotton diapers,which tend to absorb fluids quickly.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensing device,which may comprise a disk, is fitted with a collar which snaps intoplace at a predetermined location on the waterproof diaper cover, andmay be removed for washing. In yet another embodiment, the device ispositioned with a pocket in the waterproof diaper cover which may besealed and opened for removal of the device for washing. In stillanother embodiment of the invention, the device is permanently sealed inthe waterproof diaper cover. In yet another embodiment, as previouslydiscussed, a pair of conductive snaps double as the spaced contacts andas the fastening means for removably securing the device to thewaterproof diaper cover.

The audible alarm 15 in FIGS. 1-5, may comprise a buzzer, beeper, bell,or any audible signal, such as a song, which will alert the caretaker tothe wet diaper situation. A recognizable tune would be especially usefulin situations where multiple diaper wearers are being cared for, andeach wearer could be given a diaper having a different tune to betterindicate which diaper has just become wet.

The device of the invention may either be disposable or reusable and maypreferably be packaged in a water-resistant or watertight/waterproofhousing.

Ordinarily, the spaced contacts will be in direct contact with thediaper, as previously discussed. This direct contact may be augmentedwith an adhesive, such as VELCRO®, glue, snaps, conductive tape, orother fastening devices to further insure that the spaced contactsremain in direct contact with the diaper at all times during which thediaper is worn.

In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing of thedevice is fabricated of a semi-rigid material that is flexible aroundthe edges, but more rigid toward the spaced contacts. Suitable materialsinclude a wide array of polymers, silicones, foams, paddings, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing of the device isgalaxy-shaped, the outer edges tapering from the thicker hub position,as shown in FIG. 10.

Depending on the polymer used, the housing of the sensing device may bewatertight, capable of being washed in a conventional washing machine.In this embodiment, all of the electronics are preferably potted withinthe device, except for the sensing portion of the device, which must beexposed to the diaper and wet conditions. While the signal of the devicemay also be sealed within the housing, a preferred embodiment uses anaudible signaling device having an exposed surface that is resistant tocorrosion by body fluids, and is sealed in watertight fashion in thedevice.

When the device is used in an institutional setting or other environmentin which a relatively large number of diaper wearers are cared for by arelatively smaller number of caretakers, it may be desirable, from aprivacy standpoint, that an audible alarm not be used. Rather, it may beadvantageous for the signal to include a transmitter which transmits asignal of wet conditions in the diaper to a remote location, fontexample, to a monitor, which is capable of identifying the wearer whosediaper has generated the signal.

The battery of the device can be easily checked by simply bridging thecontacts with the caretaker's finger prior to placement on the wearer.

The device can also sense wet conditions other than urination, forexample, sensing when the wearer has had a wet stool, such as diarrhea,which bridges the contacts and sounds the alarm, or such as when thewearer has spilled a non-body fluid, such as a drink on the diaper.

It is important that the device of the invention sense wetness, and notproduce a false signal when the diaper is dry. Such a false signal couldbe produced should the electrical, spaced contacts of the device comeinto direct contact with the wearer's skin such that the spaced contactsare closed and the electrical circuit is completed, producing the falsesignal. Accordingly, it is preferred that the electrical spaced contactsof the invention be positioned relative to the diaper in a way thatkeeps the contacts electrically insulated from the wearer so long as thediaper remains dry. We have found that the diaper itself acts as aninsulator when dry and only completes the electrical connection whenwet. The necessary electrical insulation is readily achieved bypositioning the spaced contacts on the external surface of the diaperrelative to the wearer. Of course, it would also be possible topartially embed the spaced contacts within the diaper, such as in adisposable diaper, provided there is sufficient diaper or otherinsulating material between the spaced contacts and the wearer topreclude any false signals caused by the wearer completing the circuit.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery used topower the signal means comprises a pair of different metal electrodes(such as zinc/copper) capable of generating a potential when contactedby urine. Because urine is an electrolytic solution, it can be used as acomponent of the battery. When such a battery is used, it is possible toeliminate the spaced contacts, as the battery is only able to generatecurrent for the signal upon being wetted by the urine. It may, however,be desirable to keep a pair of spaced contacts in the circuit, whichwould permit the device to be re-used on a dry diaper even if thebattery remained powered from the previous wetting incident.

A most highly preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 11-20. In this embodiment, the wetness sensing circuit includes apower interrupt for preventing battery drain by the circuit when thesensing device is not being used. This power interrupt disconnects thebattery from the circuit when the housing containing the sensing deviceis unfastened from the diaper cover, for example, during washing of thediaper cover.

FIG. 11 illustrates a diaper cover generally (100) which may, forexample, comprise a cover having flaps (102) which fold over the wearerand are fastened to the front portion of the cover (104), for example,with velcro strips (106). As illustrated, a preferred wetness sensor(110) may have a generally trapezoidal shape in order to maximize thearea of wetness being sensed while facilitating user comfort. In theembodiment of FIG. 11, four spaced electrical contacts (112A-D) areemployed.

Referring to FIG. 12, the diaper cover (100) includes an outer surface(101) and an inner surface (103). The inner surface (103) contacts theabsorbent diaper (105). The absorbent diaper (105) may comprise a clothdiaper, or synthetic disposable diaper material known to those ofordinary skill in the art. The inner surface (103) of the diaper cover(100) may comprise an absorbent material such as natural or syntheticfibers, while the outer surface (101) of the diaper cover (100) ispreferably a waterproof material known to those of ordinary skill in theart.

The diaper cover (100) preferably includes a power interrupt devicegenerally (120) positioned internally within the diaper cover (100)between the outer and inner layers (101), (103) respectively. This powerinterrupt (120) is best illustrated in FIG. 13, and comprises agenerally planar flexible material, such as plastic (122) through whichthe spaced electrical contacts (112A-D) are placed. In the embodiment ofFIG. 13, two electrical contacts (112A) and (112D) are bridged with aconductive material (114), which may comprise conductive tape,conductive ink, conductive cloth, wire, or any other suitable conductivematerial known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The conductivematerial (114) should be flexible to compliment the flexibility of theplanar member (122).

Referring again to FIG. 12, the spaced electrical contacts (112A) and(112D) are positioned internally with respect to the inner surface ofthe diaper cover (103) such that these contacts press against the diaper(105). The contacts (112A) and (112D) in turn pass through the innerlayer (103) of the diaper cover (100) and are fastened to the flexiblemember (122), for example, by riveting, welding, press fitting, or anyother attachment procedure known to those of ordinary skill in the art.It is critical that the electrical contacts (112A-112D) remainelectrically connected to the power interrupt (120) and wetness sensor(110) as will now be described.

The outward side of the flexible member (122) includes fastening members(124) which are electrically conductive and permit electrical contactbetween the spaced electrical contact (112A-D) to which each isconnected. This is achieved, for example, by passing the fasteningdevice (124A) through a small hole in the flexible member (122) andfastening same to a metal rivet (126A) on the opposite side of theflexible member (122), the metal rivet (126A) in turn passing throughthe inner surface (103) of the diaper cover (100) and contacting thediaper (105). The fastening members (124A-124D) preferably comprisemetal snaps or other fastening devices known to those of ordinary skillin the art, including hooks, conductive velcro, clasps, or any otherfastening device that can provide an electrically conductive connection.As illustrated in FIG. 12, each fastening device (124A-124D) has acomplimentary fastening device (126A-126D) positioned on the sensingdevice (110). In the embodiment of FIG. 12, these complimentaryfastening devices comprise metal snaps (126A-D). These snaps (126A-D) inturn are electrically connected to the wetness sensing and signallingcircuit substantially as previously described.

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram incorporating the powerinterrupt of the present invention. As illustrated, one or morebatteries (B1, B2) power the circuit, which is connected to a signaldevice at J5-J6. When the power interrupt (120) of FIG. 13 is snapped tothe sensing device (110), snaps (124A) and (124D) come into electricalcontact with the complimentary snaps (126A) and (126D), respectively,bridging the circuit at J3-J4 of FIG. 14 through the conductive material(114). When the sensing device (110) is unsnapped from the diaper cover(100), this breaks the circuit at J3-J4, disconnecting the batteries B1and B2 and thereby preventing battery drain. When the circuit is bridgedat J3-J4, the spaced electrical contacts, J1, J2 in FIG. 14, are able tocomplete the sensing circuit, sounding an alarm between J5-J6 once theleads J1, J2 are bridged electrically, for example, with a conductivefluid.

The alarm connected to leads J5-J6 may be, in addition to a visual oraudible alarm, a vibrational alarm which silently alerts the wearer of awet condition in the diaper. Such vibration may be achieved, forexample, by a solenoid or a small electric motor having an eccentricweight.

The alarm circuit is completed and the alarm sounds whenever either ofthe electrical contacts connected to the leads J1 or J2 is bridged bywetness between any other spaced contact, such as those connected to theleads J3, J4. Thus, the device of FIG. 13 senses a relatively wide areaon the diaper.

The sensing device (110) includes a housing as previously described. Itis preferred that at least the inner surface (111) of the sensing device(110), and particularly that portion between the electrically conductivefastening devices (126A-D) be of a water resistent material. Otherwise,if the surface (111) becomes wet, the electrical connection between(126A and 126D), for example, remains bridged until the surface (111)dries which, for absorbent materials can be quite some time.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate how a printed circuit board comprising thecircuit of FIG. 14 may be connected to a flexible layer within thehousing of the sensing device (110). A flexible material (130) which maybe the same as that of 122 previously described, is fabricated withelectrically conductive material (132A-D) at the corners. A printedcircuit board (134) including the circuit of FIG. 14 is placed onto theflexible material (130) and electrically attached to the conductivematerial (132A-D). This electrically conductive material (132A-D) may beelectrically conductive tape, electrically conductive ink, electricallyconductive fabric, as previously described. When the power interruptdevice of FIG. 13 is used, in combination with the circuit of FIG. 14,lead J3 is electrically connected to (132A) or (132D) and lead J4 isconnected to the other of (132A) or (132D). Lead J1 is connected toeither (132B) or (132C) and lead J2 is connected to the other of (132B)or (132C).

Of course, the circuit of FIG. 14 need not be embodied on a printedcircuit board, but may be entirely embodied on a semi-conductor chip. Asuitable chip includes the HM5801 by Hualon MicroelectronicsCorporation, Taipei, Taiwan ROC, modified such that when triggered thesound chip sounds for a short period of time (e.g., 5-10 seconds) andthen remains silent for a longer period of time (e.g., 80-90 seconds),repeating that cycle as long as the wetness sensor remains wet. FIG. 18illustrates schematically the sound chip as modified and FIG. 19illustrates schematically a timing diagram illustrating a preferredtiming mode for the chip. An advantage of using a chip such as thatdescribed is decreased size of the sensor and decreased powerconsumption, enabling a single battery B1 to be employed as illustratedin FIG. 20. The leads J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, are connected to thesensing circuit substantially as previously described.

It will now be readily appreciated that the present invention may beused to advantageously sense wet conditions on items other than diapers,including, without limitation, surgical dressings, bed coverings,clothing, skin, etc. Also, it should now be understood that bodilyfluids of all types can be sensed, initiating the signal produced by theinvention, including, without limitation, urine, blood, saliva, sweat,vomitus, mucus, semen, tears, milk, feces, and water, all of which areelectrolytic in varying degrees.

It is also contemplated to be within the scope of our invention that thesensing device can be built into diaper pins used to pin a cloth diaperto the wearer. While such a use has the advantage of requiring nomodification to existing diapers or waterproof diaper cover, adisadvantage is that the location of the pins, on the sides of thewearer, does not generally correspond to an area of the diaper mostlikely to experience wetness, except in cases of the wearer passinglarge volumes of urine, or where multiple urination episodes areexperienced by the same diaper.

The invention may be used for a variety of applications. In addition toquickly alerting a caretaker that an individual within their care hasdischarged a bodily fluid, the device may be used in conjunction withurine receptacles positioned within the diapers for catching urine foranalysis. In is frequently desirable to perform bacterial analysis, suchas a bacteria count, on such collected samples, and the results may beskewed if the urine sits for long periods and bacteria multiply. Theinvention enables the immediate retrieval of collected samples beforesuch bacterial growth proliferates.

We claim:
 1. A waterproof diaper cover including means for sensing wetconditions in a diaper with which said waterproof diaper cover is incontact, said waterproof diaper cover having fastened thereto a wetnesssensing means having a signal means connected thereto, said wetnesssensing means electrically connected to a pair of spaced contactspositioned internally with respect to said waterproof diaper cover suchthat said spaced contacts are in contact with a diaper being worn by awearer of said waterproof diaper cover, said sensing means and signalmeans being housed within housing means secured to said waterproofdiaper cover, wherein said spaced contacts comprise fastening means forfastening said housing means to said diaper cover, said signal meansbeing powered by battery means, said fastening means including powerinterrupt means for preventing battery drain when said housing means isunfastened from said diaper cover.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein saidsignal is audible.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said signal isvisual.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said signal is vibrational. 5.The diaper cover of claim 1 wherein said diaper is a cloth diaper, saidsensing means being secured to said diaper cover in a location generallycorresponding to a location on said diaper likely to experience wetnessfrom the wearer of said diaper.
 6. The diaper cover of claim 1 whereinsaid diaper is a disposable diaper.
 7. The device diaper cover of claim1 wherein said sensing means senses the presence of bodily fluids passedinto said diaper by a wearer of said diaper.
 8. The diaper cover ofclaim 1 wherein said signal means includes transmitter means fortransmitting said signal to a location remote from a wearer of saiddiaper cover.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein said transmitter meanstransmits said signal to a monitor means, and said monitor means isadapted to identify the wearer of the diaper cover transmitting saidsignal.
 10. The diaper cover of claim 2 wherein said signal meansincludes amplifier means allowing said audible signal to be heard bypersons caring for a wearer of said diaper cover.
 11. The waterproofdiaper cover of claim 1 wherein said signal means comprises an audibleindicator.
 12. The waterproof diaper cover of claim 1 wherein saidhousing means comprises cushioning means housing said wetness sensingand signal means, and said housing is removably fastened to the frontside of said waterproof diaper cover on the exterior thereof,substantially over the pubic bone region of a wearer of said waterproofdiaper cover.
 13. The diaper cover of claim 7 wherein said bodily fluidcomprises an electrolytic solution and said sensing means includesbattery means, said battery means providing sufficient voltage toinitiate said signal means upon being wetted by said electrolyticsolution.
 14. The diaper cover of claim 13 wherein said electrolyticsolution is selected from the group consisting of urine, blood, saliva,sweat, vomitus, mucus, semen, tears, milk, water, and feces.
 15. Thediaper cover of claim 13 wherein said battery means comprises at leastone pair of electrodes, each electrode comprising a different metal,said different metal electrodes producing sufficient voltage betweenthem in the presence of said electrolyte solution to initiate saidsignal means.
 16. The diaper cover of claim 1 wherein said fasteningmeans comprise snap means.
 17. The diaper cover of claim 16 wherein saidpower interrupt means comprises electrically conductive materialbridging a pair of snap means and fastened to said diaper cover, therebycompleting a circuit when said power interrupt means is fastened to saiddiaper cover.
 18. The diaper cover of claim 1 wherein said housing meansincludes a water resistant surface between said fastening means.
 19. Thediaper cover of claim 1 wherein said wetness sensing means comprises apreprogrammed semiconductor chip means.
 20. The diaper cover of claim17, wherein said power interrupt means is placed within said diapercover, the inward side of said power interrupt means being connected tosaid internally positioned spaced electrical contacts, the outward sideof said power interrupt means being connected to snap means positionedon the external surface of said diaper cover, said snap means adaptedfor receiving complimentary snap means on said housing.